Robot Unicorn Attack 2 Review

It's fair to say that the original Robot Unicorn Attack was built on a gag concept. Its hard-edged riff on the hearts-and-rainbows style of artist Lisa Frank offered an amusing visual contrast, while the looping synth-pop classic "Always" by Erasure only cemented its absurdist intentions. But the game itself was no joke, as the rousing endless runner became a genre favorite that even spawned a couple of spin-offs. Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is an all-new entry, though, and while maintaining the fundamental elements of the debut, it makes the previous titles seem downright prehistoric by comparison. And it also offers one of the friendliest free-to-play models we've seen in any iOS game to date.

Jumping and dashing across floating platforms still forms the core of Robot Unicorn Attack 2, but nearly every aspect of the experience has been dramatically improved. The endless levels now feature multi-tiered layouts that let you run along higher and lower platforms than the initial middle path, plus they're adorned with hoops to jump through, as well as towering, laser-firing giants that you must dash through to destroy. Additionally, the controls feel significantly tighter and less "floaty" than before, while the lovably crude visuals of the first game have been replaced by detailed backdrops and well-animated creatures. The only thing that's lost a step out of the gate is that "Always" has been replaced by original, lyric-free compositions.

As with most formerly premium franchises making the free-to-play leap, we worried that Robot Unicorn Attack 2 might feel like a cynical shadow of the earlier favorite. But considering how gaudy the franchise's aesthetic may be (intentionally so, of course), it's amazing just how subtle the freemium model is throughout. You don't have to worry about accumulating "energy" to play, nor will you see egregiously-priced add-on elements that feel like they should have been baked into the core experience. You can play as much as you want, and the game offers free stacks of coins regularly, whether it's for leveling up your profile by completing quick-hit missions, playing on consecutive days, or being on the side of the light vs. dark alliance that wins each daily showdown. Only occasional pop-up ads intervene, and they're not hugely abundant or irritating.

We never felt compelled to purchase coin packs, though the in-game currency does go towards a meaningful cause beyond buying quick power-ups or retrying botched rounds. The unicorn customization system allows for more than just cosmetic tweaks, as you can change the speed at which you run, the length of your dash maneuver, and even enable the ability to fly, which seriously shakes up navigation (but is difficult to tame). Customization adds an excellent level of investment to the experience, and adds extra motivation to keep leveling up and improving your scores. Along with the myriad gameplay enhancements, it makes for a brilliantly fun free-to-play runner.

And if you want Erasure's "Always" in the background, or one of a few other cheesy favorites – like the theme song to The NeverEnding Story, or a Corey Hart track – they're sold within for $0.99 a pop. No need to buy insane amounts of virtual coins. We appreciate that kind of straightforward design, and it's evident throughout Robot Unicorn Attack 2. It's almost like what's best for the game and its players was chosen over what might have yielded the most immediate income. Imagine that.

The bottom line. Robot Unicorn Attack's trademark brand of dumb fun hits a new apex in this improved and smartly executed free-to-play sequel.

Greatly expands the entertaining original runner design. Excellent presentation and optional premium music tracks. Free-to-play model is very friendly and giving with its in-game currency. Unicorn customization adds a strong hook to keep you playing.

Negatives

Occasional frustrating moments where you run out of space to dash or jump.